Piinpi fashion is redefining how the world views Indigenous culture and history

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia (NMA) in Canberra is making waves in the fashion industry.

Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion was the brainchild of First Nations Curator Shonae Hobson who pitched the exhibition idea in mid-2019 to the staff at Bendigo Art Gallery (BAG).

Lauren Ellis is Curatorial Manager at the gallery.

‘Our team could not believe such an important and exciting exhibition had not yet been staged on a significant scale,’ Lauren said.

The Bendigo Art Gallery team worked creatively to build the exhibition and have it ready in time for Victoria’s opening up in November 2020.

‘It was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of lockdown, and Bendigo Art Gallery enjoyed its highest summer visitation on record.’

The exhibition takes its name from the concept of seasonal changes and their significance in First Nations knowledge and cultural life.

‘The land lets us know when we can hunt, collect bush foods, and gather materials for traditional ceremonies and malkari (dance),’ Shonae said.

‘Today, we keep this cultural knowledge alive through our art, songs, dance and storytelling. For Kanichi Thampanu [Cape York], this sacred connection between people, place and land, is what we call Piinpi’.

This is the first major exhibition of Indigenous Australian fashion and brings together a diversity of designers, artists and makers, each sharing their unique experience.

Shannon Brett, owner of LORE, contributed to the collection.

‘I am a fashion and fabric designer,’ Shannon said.

‘The stories and messages that are illustrated upon my fabrics are those that I am experiencing through my life journey. I am especially interested in contemporary issues, which affect the futures of First Nations peoples.’

The displays feature exquisite hand-made garments, accessories, fibre material and textile prints.

‘The exhibition sheds light on a movement that is blossoming and set to become one of Australia’s leading fashion phenomena,’ Shonae said.

The NMA exhibition is available for viewing until 8 August 2021. After that, there are hopes to take it on the road.

‘We are exploring with our colleagues there [NMA] the potential for a further roadshow to other Australian and international cities,’ Lauren said.

‘When the exhibition finishes touring, the garments will return to the Bendigo Art Gallery for care in our newly-established Australian Fashion Collection.’

Long-term, Bendigo Art Gallery aspires to grow the Australian Fashion Collection, including Piinpi, into one of national and international significance, for the benefit of industry, research, and public enjoyment.

Jessica Bridgfoot is Director of the Bendigo Art Gallery.

‘Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion presents a cultural movement that is Indigenous-led, industrious, innovative and has the potential to redefine the way the world engages with Indigenous Australian culture and history – through fashion,’ Jessica said.